Professionalism

Okay, kind of a controversial subject here. And, I will clear the air before I begin- I am not pointing fingers or even implying that the current staff I'm working with is guilty of such behavior. What I'm about to write is a compilation of many settings, many therapists, over many years.

What do you do when a therapist responds to a text message in the therapy gym, in front of a patient?

What about when a coworker helps a patient with a transfer, meanwhile exposing their backside to the entire department?

What do you say when another therapist has 90% of their patients perform the same recipe card of straight leg raise, long-arc quads, and ankle pumps for their therapy session?

A coworker who doesn't consider the emotional journey of a patient's hospital experience?

A therapist who documents one week after the day services were provided?

Basically, what do you do when you disagree with the style or methods of another therapist? I'm not sure if I could be confrontational in these kind of situations. I mean, I'm honest and at times quite blunt, but remarking on another therapist's responsibilities can be tricky.

Maybe it's not my place. Maybe I should just focus on my own business and let everyone else do their own thing. Or, maybe, we should challenge each other to be better therapists, and invite feedback from others into our practice.

2 comments

Those that text their friends it is unprofessional. Some will need to get ahold of their district managers and texting is a fast and easy way to contact them.

Patients get exposed in hospitals. Some have cameras in the ICU with the monitors in plain view. In SNF's this is inexcuseable. Charting a week later - where is the DOR to monitor this? Doesn't anyone read their documentaton?

Emotional journeys are difficult. We should have professional distance when dealing with patients. Empathy yes, emotional no.

Karen

April 26, 2009 12:35 PM

It's like you were looking in on a day in my life. It seems so common place here and no one thinks twice about personal calls (along with the drama that can come with them), texting, eating breakfast and in a room full of patients. And all this from the Rehab manager!

Debbie, , PTALong term care

April 10, 2009 8:05 AM

MI

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